Lords debates Ivory Bill

18 July 2018

Members of the Lords, including two shadow spokespersons for environment, food and rural affairs and the chair of United for Wildlife Taskforce, discussed the key principles and purpose of the Ivory Bill during second reading, on Tuesday 17 July.

Members discussed a range of topics covered by the bill, including the bill's primary aim to curb illegal poaching and prevent the extinction of African elephants, the growth of the black market ivory trade in recent years and the identification of items that will be exempt from the proposed ban on ivory sales.

Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Conservative), parliamentary under-secretary in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, responded on behalf of the government.

Committee stage, the first chance for line-by-line scrutiny, is scheduled for 10 September.

Ivory Bill summary

This bill aims to:

Prohibit commercial activities concerning ivory in the UK

Prohibit the import and re-export of ivory for commercial purposes, to and from the UK.